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May 15, 2017

It's a word often used as a verb these days - adulting - a relative new entry in the vast lexicon of modern day language. It means to conduct oneself in a responsible, mature and correct manner. Adulting is all about being in charge, taking care of business, getting shit done, dotting i's, crossing t's and keeping all your ducks in a row. Without breaking a sweat.

EXCUSE ME, THIS IS NOT WHAT WAS IN THE GLOSSY BROCHURE! I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THIS! NOOOOO!

There's a saying: 'Careful what you wish for.' Because often the Universe may decide to give it to you; it'll toss you a curve ball to see you sweat, just for the hell of it. Adulting is what the young always yearn to do, because they think it's all about having the freedom to choose without any restriction. Isn't it obvious, they ask?I know what I'm doing, stop trying to tell me.

But a rueful irony awaits, once they finally get there - the sudden discovery they didn't actually think about or want, ALL of the responsibility, ALL of the time.

I am, of course, saying all this with tongue firmly planted in my cheek! It's a part of life, growing up and learning to build and create a life, as well as look after yourself. Most days I do it reasonably well but some days I'm really shit at it. And that's okay, because I know there's always another chance to do it better tomorrow. I do find however managing the daily practice of of 'adulting' can be eased and in fact, enhanced with a little humour. And perhaps a red wine or two.

My girlfriends and I have had fun with this idea when we've been out in the past, joking with the security staff as they check for underage patrons. 'Go on, I know you want to ask... let me get my ID out for you." To their credit, they usually keep their comments to themselves and merely respond like the smart arse penguin from the Madagascar movies:

...no doubt of course, wishing their own mothers were as hip and chill in their pre-adulting skills as my girls and I are. Regardless that the days of being asked for age ID are so long ago for us the ship has not only sailed but is scuttled and now used as a diving wreck. Ahem.

But I digress.

My boys are at varying stages of the adulting spectrum. My youngest is still at school, middle son already with a year in the workforce under his belt and my eldest right in the thick of it, recently moved into a new house with his beautiful girl and both of them adjusting to life with the trifecta of a mortgage, bills and responsibility. How things have changed! Exciting times.

This post and today's selection for Music for Monday was inspired by a song I heard on the radio on my way home from work... before I went to pick up a load of firewood, race into the supermarket to pick up a few things for dinner, pay three bills via Netbank and answer emails. All tasks carried out by me. (see: adulting).

May 5, 2017

I have a new appreciation today for anyone who is fully conversant in the language of IT. As in Information Technology. Computers. Take it from me, you're all bloody amazing. IT brainiacs are the new black, people... the next big thing, the ducks NUTS. Because without them, our technologically charged lives cease to run the way they're supposed to if there's a problem.

I'm pretty much self taught in all things computer related and that has mostly served me well over the years. I'm on the computer most days with my job so you pick up things as you go, but the little scenario I found myself in was a doozy and fell well outside of my scope of knowledge.

As these things so often do, it all started because of a ridiculous rookie error on my part involving my credit card and the registration of my domain name expiring. The resulting domino effect that ensued afterward threw me into an IT hell/limbo for weeks, the final kicker of this minor miscalculation saw my website being taken offline.

Uh, excuse me? SAY IT AIN'T SO!

Despite my numerous, desperate emails to relevant Google department people for help (because wouldn't you know it, there is no phone number to a flesh and blood person you can actually TALK to) and receiving formulaic replies with links to instructions I couldn't follow, I became more confused and increasingly frustrated. Have you seen those GIFS of a person throwing their computer at the wall? That was me. Except for the part of actually doing it because well, you know, that would be silly. And expensive. But boy oh boy, I REALLY felt like it.

But then a miracle happened.... I found Troy. *cue choir of heavenly angels*

Troy is a legend. Troy works for a company that my boss uses for all our company IT needs. He's one of those guys who is super smart with the assured attitude of a computer whisperer who knows his IT shit. We all need a guy like Troy. He did not once ridicule me for my lack of knowledge, snigger under his breath at my layman's explanation of the problem, or even tut-tut at my occasional lack of correct terminology. Oh no. Not Troy.

In short, he was awesome. Problem solved in a mere 20 minutes! Wham bam, thank you ma'am! I cannot tell you the relief I felt when I saw my website load onto the screen again. Welcome back, baby.

So from the bottom of my heart, thank you Troy!! Thank you for your brain, your patience and your sense of humour while dealing with this slightly frazzled blogger. So very much appreciated, mate.

I feel like I need to send Troy a case of whatever he drinks. Whatever your average tech genius drinks these days.